ATM2211

Climates of the Earth Boundary Layer ( 6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Dr Jason Beringer

Offered:
Clayton First semester 2005 (Day)

Synopsis: A study of climates found near to the ground in terms of the cycling of energy and mass through systems. Atmospheric processes and how they interact with physical properties of surfaces to produce distinctive climates of various natural and human-modified environments. Natural environments including simple non-vegetated surfaces, vegetated surfaces and non-uniform terrain. Human-modified environments especially urban modification of the atmospheric environment.

Objectives: On completion of this unit, students will show that they understand the nature of cycling of energy and mass in the earth-atmosphere system; have an understanding of the development of distinctive boundary layer climates based on knowledge of atmospheric processes and their interaction with the physical properties of different surfaces; have an appreciation of time and space scales as they relate to atmospheric phenomena, along with the complexity of environmental processes, especially when intentionally or unintentionally modified by humans; have a grounding in some of the contemporary climate debates; and have developed an understanding of the use of instrumentation and methodologies employed in boundary layer climate research, along with an appreciation of the complexity of, and difficulties associated with, field-based research

Assessment: Written (2000 words): 40% + Examination (2 hours): 40% + Practical work and fieldwork: 20%

Contact Hours: 3 hours per week on average (2 lectures per week and one 2-hour practical per fortnight) and a compulsory weekend field excursion

Prerequisites: A first-year sequence in geography and environmental science or mathematics, or permission

Prohibitions: GES2190